Volume Two: The Noble and the Petty Chapter Twenty-Three: The Planning Manager and the Director

Even the twelve bosses, who were accustomed to being surrounded by beauties, found themselves momentarily dazed as so many lovely women appeared before them. Of course, their resistance was far stronger than that of Huang Ming and his two companions, and soon they regained their composure.

At this moment, Zhao Jian spoke up: "Young Master Huang, and you two gentlemen, let us first discuss business. Once matters are settled, if any of these girls catch your eye, you may take her with you tonight, free of charge."

Such good fortune?

Xu and Zhang were instantly thrilled, their eyes lingering on each beauty in turn, only to become dazzled by the choices. Each one seemed perfect, none worth forsaking—a textbook case of late-stage indecision.

Huang Ming, however, had fully recovered his wits, his gaze sharp and clever once more. Smiling, he said, "You gentlemen have brought so many girls here, and had them dress up so meticulously. Surely it isn't merely to astonish us?"

"Let me guess, is it so you can assign them distinct personas?"

"Young Master Huang is truly remarkable, seeing through our purpose at a glance," someone laughed heartily, raising a thumb in approval.

"Indeed, your earlier advice about setting personas was most insightful, and we've benefited greatly. Yet, when it comes time to implement it, difficulties arise. These girls possess exceptional beauty and talent, but matching their personalities to their appearance, and then setting suitable personas..."

"Since the idea was yours, Young Master Huang, we figured it best not to trouble two masters. Why not have you assign fitting personas to each of them? Would that be agreeable?"

Under the expectant gaze of all present, Huang Ming pondered briefly, then smiled and nodded, "Then I shall venture my humble opinions, and trust you will guide me."

He gestured for the beauties to disperse and stand apart. The others, not wishing to disturb, obediently moved to the opposite side, leaving the entire area to Huang Ming and the dozens of women.

At first glance, the scene resembled the selection process in some unsavory establishments of later eras—choose a batch, swap for another. Yet given the caliber of these beauties, no guest would wish to exchange them.

At this point, Huang Ming’s mindset had shifted entirely. In his eyes, these women, each radiant and alluring, were no longer merely beauties, but objects to be appraised, their unique traits discerned.

He couldn’t help but marvel—he had started as the planner, then become the manager, and now he was director. With this inward jest to steady himself, Huang Ming began to form some ideas.

Though he had no prior professional experience in this field, his years of investigative acumen, combined with some knowledge gleaned from modern-day talent shows, enabled him to assign distinct personas to these beauties, tailored to their individual characteristics.

His gaze settled first on a woman in her twenties, noticeably older than the others, yet the most dazzling among them. "May I ask your name?"

"My name is Jinlan..." she replied softly, her voice gentle and pleasant.

Huang Ming nodded, "You shall be the gentle confidante. Whether with those around you or with every guest, you must always be warm and considerate. Also, your makeup can be softened—avoid excessive brilliance, strive for a more peaceful look."

He shared many of his thoughts in one breath. Jinlan and her house’s boss listened attentively, nodding repeatedly in agreement.

Finally, the boss beamed, "Young Master Huang, your insight is truly precise. My daughter has always been gentle and kind, beloved by all in the house."

Huang Ming smiled, "In a few days, I’ll send over a background story for Jinlan. Memorize it well—it will be useful for promotions, and other storytellers can embellish it further."

With that, he moved on, ignoring their thanks, his attention now falling upon the other beauties.

For nearly an hour, Huang Ming exerted his full mental power, drawing upon years of observing entertainers and internet celebrities. He assigned each beauty a distinct persona based on her unique traits.

Some were mischievous, some cold outside yet warm within, some wounded and passionate—whether inspired by labels from talent shows or roles from literary works, Huang Ming bestowed these personas upon each woman.

Watching him command the scene and evaluate the beauties, Xu, Zhang, and the bosses were all amazed, marveling that such innate knowledge could exist. How else could a seventeen-year-old possess such experience and familiarity with the myriad personalities that captivate men?

"Do you think he deceived us before? Does he look like someone who’s never visited a brothel?" Xu Qingzhi whispered to Zhang Han.

"I think so, too. Young Master Huang must have been a frequent visitor in Luoyang," Zhang Han agreed, nodding.

Huang Ming overheard none of this, nor did he care. He continued to wring every last drop from his limited reserves, striving to ensure each beauty had a distinct persona, memorable and unique.

"Hong Ying, your nature is somewhat aloof—so, in public, never smile. Yet in private, with those close to you, be as considerate as possible. Help others when you can, quietly and without comment."

"Zi Die, you may laugh freely, and play harmless pranks with others. Even in front of guests, act as you wish. Your bold, carefree personality is precisely what men crave—a refreshing change from dutiful wives at home."

"Ni Shang, you spoke of past heartbreak, and your history of deep feeling is excellent. But you must also show your scholarly side: read more, and try composing sorrowful verses from your chamber. Whether good or bad matters little, so long as they come from the heart.

"Let your maid circulate these poems cleverly, so more people come to know you."

Despite Huang Ming's limited expertise, after so many evaluations, his creative energy was nearly exhausted.

Finally, when faced with the girl most lacking in distinguishing traits—nearly in tears—Huang Ming simply waved his hand, "Don’t cry, just smile. You’re so beautiful; so what if you lack special talents? That makes it even easier for people to remember you as a true beauty.

"And you have luck in abundance. To make the courtesan rankings sometimes takes luck, not skill. I’m sure there will be many men who appreciate the fortune you carry, as if you were a living charm!"